Summer ministry is in full swing at Word-By-Mail. We told you about Spirit West Coast Del Mar in our last newsletter, and mentioned that Extreme Faith was going to cover for us at SWC Monterey. Well, Prov 19:21 says “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail (nlt).” And it was the Lord’s purpose that prevailed at Spirit West Coast Monterey.
The organizer of the event asked me to speak on the main stage again, and that got me headed to Monterey. The only down side was; in 12 trips to SWC Monterey, this was the first time I went without any of my family, and that was tough. But with my daughter Breezy about to have a baby, and other circumstances at home, I went up alone. Fortunately our good friends at Extreme Faith were right there for me, covering the booth and working hard to be my stand-in family.
It seems the Lord’s purpose for me being at SWC Monterey was to strengthen the ministry relationship between us and the organizer of this large festival. We’ve given away too many thousand CD’s to count at this event for the past 7 years, and we’ve been doing all the follow up for the past 4 years. But it seems this year the Lord really wanted to connect us to Spirit West Coast. In the end, Word-By-Mail was made a “Ministry Partner” of Spirit West Coast, and the organizers really grasped the benefit of our ministry being tied to their events.
This is a big deal, but it does not come with any financial support from Spirit West Coast. They run on a very tight budget, as we do, and they need us to continue to raise our own support for our ministry with them. This is a very fruitful ministry relationship, and we greatly appreciate your financial support to keep it going.
Lifest in Oshkosh WI was also a huge success. This really blew us away. A wonderful Word-By-Mail listener in Wisconsin contacted us and asked if she could run a Word-By-Mail booth at Lifest, an event similar (and even larger), than Spirit West Coast. Again with the help of Extreme Faith Productions, Lynn set up a Word-By-Mail booth and gave away a few thousand CD’s at Lifest. She was blessed to do it, and we were extremely blessed for her to do it.
In fact, it went so well we’ve decided to make a “shippable” Word-By-Mail booth. The shippable booth will allow you to consider the same ministry Lynn did in Wisconsin.
If there is a large Christian concert or event in your area where you would like to give away Word-By-Mail CD’s, just contact us about it. We’ll help you work with the organizer, and then ship you everything you need to give away Word-By-Mail CD’s at the event. And every CD has an insert that explains the ministry and offers the free weekly CD mailing.
What a cool thing to be able to do. We’ve never really considered attending any more events than we already do, primarily due to travel and event expenses. But having you attend an event that’s close to you cuts way down on the cost. There are still substantial costs associated with these events, and at the Wisconsin event Lynn raised most of the cost herself. We helped with the booth cost, and shipped her everything she needed to set the booth up, but there were still costs associated with her taking this ministry to Lifest, which we are very grateful for her covering. Please remember that if you consider stepping out in a similar fashion as Lynn did.
Back to Prov 19:21 - “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail (nlt).” This also seems to be the case, at least for now, with our plans to leave the radio ministry in TX in order to cut costs. Our friends at KDKR radio in Dallas/Fort Worth really want to keep us on the air there. They are giving us an unheard-of rate for our 5 minute radio show, after having one donor cover our entire air time cost for over one year. The station manager there is a strong Word-By-Mail supporter and really believes this ministry needs to stay on the radio. And so, may the Lord’s purpose prevail. As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, we were looking to put that money into Facebook advertising instead, which we still plan to do. So we’re going to continue both for a while, to see the Lord’s leading.
There is so much we desire to do with this ministry. As the Lord provides, we will continue to do all that He purposes for us, praying continually for Him to lead and guide us for His Name’s sake (Psa 31:3). Thank you for every dollar you give to provide for this ministry. We continue to stand amazed at all that God is doing.
On a personal note: Our daughter Breezy still has not had her baby. Her premature labor from a few weeks ago has stopped completely, and we’re expecting her new son to be born even today. Our daughter Danielle had her 2nd MRI for the tumor pressing on her spinal nerves. Now two Dr’s will review and we’ll have a plan for her surgery. Son David is doing well after returning from Afghanistan. We just attended a very powerful men’s retreat together, although I was teaching and leading most of the time. David’s doing well and starting a Bible study for his fellow Corpsman/Marines in 29 Palms. Our granddaughters bring nothing but delight to our lives, and we spend every minute we can with them. God is good. Thank you SO MUCH for all your prayers for our family. It means the world to us.
Pastor Dave, Pam & family, Becky, & the volunteers
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